Executive Director of English Language Services, Allentown School District

Alma Advisory Group•Allentown, PA

36d•$138,000 - $194,000

About The Position

Reporting to the Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer, , the Executive Director of English Learner Services is a key member of the Superintendent’s Executive Leadership Team. This role provides strategic, visionary, and forward-thinking leadership for the Office of English Learner Education Programs and the Newcomer Academies. The Executive Director is responsible for the educational performance and programmatic excellence of Allentown School District’s bilingual, ESL, and World Language programs and ensuring all English Learners have access to high-quality instruction, equitable services, and a clear pathway to academic success. This leader monitors data systems to meet state and federal mandates, oversees compliance, and serves as a critical bridge between the district and the linguistically and culturally diverse communities ASD proudly serves.

Requirements

Master’s degree required, with a major in TESOL, Bilingual Education, or Educational Leadership from an accredited college or university; Doctorate preferred.
Minimum of five (5) or more years of administrative experience, including school and/or central administration experience at a director, principal, or executive level. Supervisory experience preferred.
Eligible or hold a Pennsylvania PreK–12 Administrative Certificate.
Successful experience working with English Learners and/or Dual Language instruction in an urban school district.
Deep knowledge of state and federal requirements governing English Learner programs, including Title III and ESEA compliance.
Satisfactory work record & criminal/child abuse clearances (Acts 34, 114, and 151).
Exceptional interpersonal skills and strong verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to collect and analyze data to drive improvement.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual in Spanish preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership, direction, and supervision both personally and through curriculum specialists and supervisors for all bilingual, ESL, and World Language programs across the district.
Develop and refine the philosophy, policies, and operating procedures for bilingual education, ESL, and World Language programs in alignment with district policies, Pennsylvania state statutes, and federal law.
Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Office of English Learner Education Programs, including ELL placement, language assessment and monitoring, curriculum development, and supervision of bilingual, ESL, and World Language staff.
Monitor the language acquisition and academic achievement of English Learners from point of entry through program exit, ensuring students meet state and federal Annual Measurable Achievement Objectives.
Hold quarterly meetings with bilingual and ESL principals to disseminate information and provide professional development on programmatic and compliance matters, including Title III requirements.
Develop, monitor, and manage the office budget and Title III budget to adequately meet personnel and programmatic needs; participate in the development of the district’s ESEA Consolidated Plan.
Collaborate with the Assessment Office on academic and language assessment requirements and mandates for English Learners.
Partner with the Department of Learning and Teaching to ensure equitable participation of linguistically and culturally diverse students in all district curricular activities and to support professional development for their teachers.
Advocate for and expand services for linguistically and culturally diverse populations across Special Education, Title I, Gifted & Talented, IB, AP, and other district initiatives.
Initiate and promote innovative programs for linguistically and culturally diverse student populations, responding proactively to shifting community demographics and student needs.
Build and maintain collaborative relationships with community organizations, civic groups, institutions of higher education, and community-based agencies that serve linguistically and culturally diverse families.
Collaborate with central services departments to ensure all compliance requirements are met in a timely and accurate manner.
Work with the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) on policies, procedures, reports, and grants pertaining to the Bilingual Education Program.
Serve as a member of the Superintendent’s Executive Leadership Team, providing counsel and contributing to district-wide strategic priorities.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Superintendent or Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer.